The Difference Between Dependent Origination and Non-dependent Origination

The six consciousnesses, six dusts, and five roots of dependent arising are easily scattered and destroyed; therefore, dependent arising is easily destroyed, easily changed, and easily eradicated. The non-dependent-arising mind root is not easily scattered, not easily destroyed, not easily changed, and not easily eradicated. Changing the nature of the mind root is difficult; hence, it is said that cultivation is not easy, and liberation is not easy. The tathāgatagarbha, which is non-dependent-arising, will never scatter, never deteriorate, cannot be changed, and cannot be eradicated. Therefore, the starting point of cultivation is not to cultivate or change the tathāgatagarbha. One only needs to realize that the tathāgatagarbha is true, while all phenomena of the five aggregates in the world are false. Then, with direct perception, one sees that all phenomena are products of the tathāgatagarbha and depend on the tathāgatagarbha to exist. Before the tathāgatagarbha, all phenomena are concealed and do not appear. Thus, one no longer clings to any phenomena, not even to the tathāgatagarbha. The mind becomes greatly empty, void and empty—this is great liberation. Without meditative concentration, one sees all phenomena as all phenomena. With meditative concentration and wisdom, one sees all phenomena as not all phenomena, perceiving the true appearance of phenomena, their essence and root. Afterward, ignorance is extinguished, the mind changes, and liberation is attained.